Child and family services offered under one roof

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Keeping First Nations families unified is the goal of M'Chigeeng child welfare workers.

Prevention is the main objective of the six staff members at M'Chigeeng Child and Family Services, according to co-ordinator Paula Corbiere. The organization provides stress and anger management courses, parenting programs and advocacy and referral services.

In January 2002, the services were amalgamated into one central office, she said. The move has relieved some of the workload for the band representative, Norma Ense.

Corbiere acknowledged that the fledgling agency faces some daunting challenges in its day to day operations.

She cited unwarranted outside influence as one of the recurring problems. "There's no room for political interference in child welfare matters," she stated.

The office operates under the supervision of the M'Chigeeng Child and Family Services Committee. "People need to go through the proper channels. Complaints should go to the office co-ordinator.

"What is often forgotten is that we work in the best interests of the children," she said. "People have to understand that we can't always do what the parents want; what the parents want is not always in the best interest of the children."

A band protocol established with the Sudbury-Manitoulin Children's Aid Society (CAS) stipulates that a M'Chigeeng worker accompany the CAS worker on home visits or investigations. At present, Manitoulin workers are not mandated to do apprehensions.

"We are there to see that the interests of the family are voiced and to ensure that the family gets complete and accurate information," she said.

"But the bottom line is always the best interest of the child."

Inadequate funding continues to be a perennial obstacle, according to Corbiere.

Saswaahns, the M'Chigeeng foster home, has no money for heat, hydro and upkeep, she said. "We have extra beds here so we could return children to the community. Right now they are placed off island or in other communities."

Early intervention programs are conducted at Lakeview Elementary School in M'Chigeeng.

Community Support Worker Tammy Gordon collaborates with the kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers to deliver a violence prevention program. Anti-bullying instruction has also been carried out in grades 4 through 6.

"We work on developing social skills and healthy relationships," she said. Family Support Worker Karen Corbiere-Genereux assists families with budgeting difficulties, and she facilitates referrals to other agencies. "It is encouraging to see families get involved in programs such as the parenting support group or to see them participate in the activities we put on for the kids. It makes you feel like you are getting through and making a difference."

Corbiere-Genereux added some families are intimidated by CAS workers. It is her responsibility to see that issues are handled in a culturally sensitive manner. After ten years as a family support worker, Ray Francis is one of the more experienced community helpers. He stresses the importance of speaking truthfully to youth during family emergencies. "Children are smart and they will ask a lot of questions," he said. "Talking to the kids is crucial; it keeps them from shutting down. Of course, some of them are bitter and angry. We have to assure kids that it is okay to talk about what is happening in the household. We need to give them the tools to speak freely. And we need to let them know if their environment is not healthy that we will move them to a place of stability."

Francis said he looks forward to the day that Manitoulin child and family workers are fully mandated to deliver child protection services in First Nation communities.